Back load effecting wobble

[JimJim]

I have a 2018 Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4x4 JL. For the past year I intermittently started getting the steering wobble issue. After several visits to dealer, they changed the damper which was covered by the latest recall and changed the tie rod and socket. I was still getting the issue intermittently until I found out that when I load my e-bike and hitch I start getting severe wobbling and when I don't have them the car drives smooth. My e-bike ramp is 43 lbs, an extension (because of the tire) about 10 lbs, and an e-bike about 50 lbs, so total about 103 lbs. I tested several times my theory and I am sure of it now. Has anybody encountered this? Any suggestions?

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[roaniecowpony]

I have a 2018 Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4x4 JL. For the past year I intermittently started getting the steering wobble issue. After several visits to dealer, they changed the damper which was covered by the latest recall and changed the tie rod and socket. I was still getting the issue intermittently until I found out that when I load my e-bike and hitch I start getting severe wobbling and when I don't have them the car drives smooth. My e-bike ramp is 43 lbs, an extension (because of the tire) about 10 lbs, and an e-bike about 50 lbs, so total about 103 lbs. I tested several times my theory and I am sure of it now. Has anybody encountered this? Any suggestions?

Does this JL have the TSB accomplished for the steering box replacement? If so, I'd replace the front trackbar with one of stiffer bushings, Steersmarts Yeti, Metalcloak, Dynatrac, etc. If it has not had the TSB accomplished to install the new steering box, I'd get that done, which includes a revised factory trackbar with stiffer bushings. BTW, the trackbar bushings do wear to the point they need to be replaced. So, a high mileage also be an indicator that whatever trackbar is on there may need new bushings or replacement if its not serviceable.

 

[Swagger]

Death wobble is a sign something is worn in the front end suspension.
When adding extra weight on the back of the Jeep, you are unloading some of the weight from the front end, which could make the front end more susceptible to death wobble.
When you fix the source of the of the DW, you should be able add the weight of the e bike without experiencing DW.
Be careful when you add the e-bike with the extension - the extension moves the e-bike mass further back, so the effective weight of the bike and rack is more. If the bike is wobbling at the back it may be helping to set up the resonance and DW in the front end. Try to make the extension and bike rack as solid in the receiver as you can and see if that helps too.

 

[limeade]

Let's pump the brakes on throwing out the "Death Wobble" phrase. What the OP is describing is not DW. Just because a Jeep has a shimmy or wobble, does not make it death wobble.

I agree with inspecting the front track bar. If it's stock, it more than likely needs to be replaced due to bushing wear. An aftermarket unit will last a lot longer than a stock replacement.

Secondly, your ball joints are probably loose. Again, stay away from stock replacements, they're junk. There are plenty of quality aftermarket ball joints to choose from.

Instead of just blindly throwing parts at it, inspect the front steering and suspension components for wear and replace the worn out components.

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